Girls' Football Project Gives Girls Confidence to Pursue Dreams

Sara's life changed dramatically two years ago when she was chosen to be part of Plan's Girls' Football Project.

May 30, 2014

A girl in Brazil is now ready to tackle the world, thanks to a Plan International project.

Once shy, Sara is now outgoing, confident, and ready to pursue her dreams.

She has Plan international’s Girls’ Football Project to thank for her transformation.

With little knowledge of how to play football (soccer), Sara had her mother’s support from the start of the program.

“I did not know how to play anything, but I have already made progress,” she said. “My brother used to criticize me, saying footballs were not toys for girls, but now he calls me and teaches me how to play.”

As well as learning how to play football while breaking out of her shell, Sara has gained a wealth of other skills. Plan’s project is designed around workshops to educate children about their rights, gender, citizenship, ethnic background, sexual health, and reproductive health, among other subjects.

Thanks to the workshops, Sara now feels capable of bringing up and discussing these issues with others.

Sara’s mother, Maria, is happy that her daughter is taking part in the project. She said she can see a positive change in her daughter.

Plan’s project has also given Sara the confidence to take on a wealth of additional activities.

She juggles her school work with household chores, reading, and playing the guitar. She is also part of her local church where she is a child leader.

Sara even hosts her own news-based show on the local Verdes Mares FM radio station.

“I am very happy about hosting my own radio show,” she said. “[I hope] the program will benefit from three new sponsor companies next month, which means I should start receiving a wage.”

Sara remains thankful to Plan’s Girls’ Football Project for giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams. It has even inspired her to work with an organization like Plan in the future.

“When I graduate in Business Administration and have a job, I want to be able to invest in projects from serious organizations such as Plan International. [Plan has] helped many families and communities such as mine,” she said.